Poland

If Poland is not already on your wish list as a holiday destination then perhaps it should be... You may be surprised to discover all that this beautiful country has to offer and how much more you can see and do for your money. Poland offers a relatively inexpensive option compared to many other destinations in Europe. 

Poland is an increasingly popular holiday destination for the British and others from within Europe, especially with the easy availability of low cost or budget flights.  This is just a sample of all that Poland has to offer, but there is so much more.

TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR POLAND
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Poland is in Central Europe, bordered by the Baltic Sea and Kaliningrad Oblast (Russia) to the north; Lithuania, Belarus and the Ukraine to the east; Slovakia and the Czech Republic to the south; and Germany to the west.  If you plan to visit neighbouring countries while in Poland check beforehand to ascertain which documents are required to cross borders. 

Polish is the official language but many residents speak English, French or German.  Poland joined the EU in 2004 and the currency is the euro. 

Warsaw is the capital city of Poland and well worth a visit. The Old Town has been rebuilt and it is now a fascinating and modern city, but also packed with history, culture and historical sites.  Attractions include the Royal Castle, Palace of Culture and Science.  The Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, dates back to the 14th century.  Visitors can stroll and browse in the narrow alleys and streets, visit galleries and museums, and enjoy some relaxation at the cafes and restaurants or take a horse-drawn carriage ride.  In summer the city hosts jazz concerts and a variety of music festivals.  For a change of pace you could see the city from the water and take a boat ride on the Vistula River. 

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO - POLAND
Useful travel advice from the Foreign & Commonweath Office for travel to Poland.
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Krakow is known as the cultural capital of Poland and it is a lively city. You can relax at one of the street cafes in the Main Square and then stroll the Royal Route. The Old Town is a World Heritage site and a big attraction for visitors.  Other places of interest include Krakow Castle, the old Jewish quarter, and nearby salt-mines.  It is also possible to take a sobering visit to the former Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camps. 

Poland is a land of lakes, forests, castles and fortresses.  Major cities and places of interest include Gdansk, Lodz, Wroclaw, Poznan, Malbork and Torun. Poland’s major rivers are the Warta, Vistula, Oder, Bug, and Notec.

Czestochowa in the south on the Warta River is a pilgrimage site and also home of the Black Madonna at Jasna Gora monastery. Another popular highlight is a visit to Chopin’s birthplace.  The ancient Bialowieska Forest is worth a visit to see the European bison. Visit the spectacular Table Mountains, or Slowinski National Park on the Baltic coast to see the shifting sand dunes.

In the west, the city of Wroclaw is a must-see for visitors. It has become known as the Venice of Poland for its picturesque rivers, canals and bridges.

Beach-lovers may prefer Western Pomerania and the Baltic coastline of the north for the lovely sandy beaches and resorts such as Sopot. The area known as the Tri City includes the seaside towns of Sopot, Gdansk and Gdynia.  Gdynia hosts the annual Heineken Open’er music festival.  The area is also known for its amber deposits and souvenir amber items are popular, as well as visits to the Amber Museum.

Winter sports enthusiasts can save money while making turns at Poland’s ski resorts in the south. The best known is Zakopane in the Tatra Mountains of the Polish Carpathian range. For ski insurance click here. Ski Insurance

Bird watchers and nature lovers will find plenty to keep them busy in the many national parks, especially Biebrza National Park and Marshes in the northeast where it is possible to see hundreds of species of birds and wildlife.

For outdoors enthusiasts there is plenty of choice, from canoeing, rafting and water-sports, to climbing, hiking, and mountain biking in the mountains.  For a slower pace try one of the natural mineral springs spas or enjoy a relaxing game of golf.  

Important:  If you plan to spend time in forested areas during summer be aware that tick-borne encephalitis is common in Poland.

For a change of scenery, you could visit the magical underworld of Poland’s hundreds of caves and admire the stalagmites and stalactites.

Before your trip to Poland we recommend a visit to the website of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office for updated travel advice as part of their ‘Know Before You Go’ campaign.  Their advice includes information on the following topics, and much more:

• Entry requirements, passports and visas, and transit visas
• Driving in Poland and toll system
• Safety/security issues, drink spiking, and scams to be aware of
• Using taxis (avoid overcharging)
• Consular services available to dual Polish/British nationals
• Using public transportation – validate tickets to avoid fines
• Jay walking (fines)
• Public drunkenness and consequences
• Travelling with children
• Accessing money, changing bank notes, using ATMs

Poland is a member of the European Union and the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is valid.  It is important to obtain the (free) EHIC and carry it with you when visiting Poland. However, the EHIC should not be used in place of comprehensive travel insurance as it only covers emergency medical treatment and does not extend to non-urgent treatment, ongoing treatment, or medical repatriation.  The EHIC and Consulate also do not pay for other travel-related problems such as lost luggage or passports, cancellation or curtailment, airline failure, etc.

Disclaimer: While we have tried to ensure the information in this Travel Guide is correct we do not accept responsibility for any inaccuracy, or the content of external links.

Inclusion in this Travel Guide does not guarantee travel insurance is available in any country at any given time. Travel Insurance is not available in countries where the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) have issued an advisory against travel.

You are strongly advised to visit the FCO website for updated travel information and general travel advice before you travel.